Best Managed File Transfer Software in 2021

Buy a managed file transfer software provider? This comprehensive buyer's guide will show you the best option for your organization.

What is MFT software? managed file transfer software is a program or service used to manage the secure transfer of data and files from one person to another over the network. Many large enterprises use this software instead of FTP or HTTP.

Why is managed file transfer so important to corporate business?

In a data-driven world, file transfer is an integral part of corporate business. However, just moving files from one place to another is not enough. Companies need advanced tools to arrange and protect their file transfers and to gather insights from how their employees interact with this data.

The original file transfer protocol, FTP, did not have complete security features. Protocols such as FTP fill this gap by building an FTP solution with end-to-end encryption so that data transmitted over public networks cannot be read when intercepted.

However, at the enterprise level, there are several additional considerations for file transfer:

Workflow and automation. Many organizations have complex workflows that trigger additional effects during file access and transfer. No single file transfer protocol has this capability, but managed file transfer software usually does. In addition, hosting solutions can automatically perform batch file transfers, logging, and email reports based on user activity or time of day.

Comply with. Many compliance frameworks (such as HIPAA or SOX) require logs and reports about file security and who can access them. The MFT solution helps to fully understand the reports, security, and risks associated with file storage and transfer.

Data growth. As businesses become more data-driven, the demand for secure, scalable, and compliant data solutions is also growing. An appropriate MFT can provide this scalability across multiple infrastructure and endpoint devices.

What types of security do MFT solutions usually include?

Although not all security MFTs are created equal, many of them come with a basic set of security protocols and functions, allowing them to bear the "secure" name.

Some of the more common agreements include:

SSH FTP and/or SSL-based FTP. Use SSH or SSL security (respectively) for secure and direct peer-to-peer file transfer.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol Security (HTTPS). Provides secure web content delivery for intranet portals and other internal file directories shared via web browsers.

Odette FTP (OFTP). A secure file transfer protocol created in Europe to handle push and pull requests, request signature receipts, and data compression.

Applicability Statement 2 (AS2). The secure transfer of business-to-business data used by large retailers.

Through these agreements, most secure MFTs should comply with many regulations, including HIPAA.

What should I look for in a secure MFT supplier?

The real benefit of secure MFT is the combination of security and enterprise-level tools, as shown below:

Authorization and verification. Many MFTs can include least privilege authentication, FIPS verified compliance and secure enterprise storage. These aspects can help meet compliance requirements, including HIPAA or FedRAMP.

Encryption and decryption. Many advanced enterprise security MFTs will be equipped with advanced encryption and hard storage for decryption keys.

Antivirus software. The value-for-money MFT will have a mechanism to perform virus scanning and isolation to isolate any malware introduced into your system.

Secure file management. Solid MFT will provide secure file storage and management tools that will not compromise security. Stream authoring access control (for advanced workflows), fine-grained file access roles and user policies, and regular logging are all important.

Data analysis. Many MFTs come with built-in analysis and dashboard tools to help you collect data about the data. Use it to meet compliance standards and optimize file management by automating or minimizing the scope of data.

Top security MFT supplier in 2021

IBM Aspera

As an IBM product, Aspera has a wealth of expertise and pedigree from the most well-known technology companies in the enterprise field. Aspera includes the security and reliability you expect from IBM products, but it also carries a lot of baggage. It is not easy to use or manage, and some users have reported issues with the firewall.

Globalscape Software Electronic Funds Transfer

Globalscape Software EFT is well known in the corporate world where document security and management are priorities. With hosting tools and workflow options, it is a good choice for many enterprise file transfer software users. Its steep price point may scare away SMEs with a smaller user base because it lacks 24/7 support.

Pro2col

Pro2col has 15 years of experience and applied it to MFT products. Although the software package itself is not as powerful as some other MFT platforms (which are scattered among different secure file transfer software), the core of its product works well.

Diplomat

Covenant Diplomat has low learning and uses threshold, with sandbox options and extensive automatic reporting tools. However, this simplicity comes at a price. Key management is manual, the interface is not very intuitive, and in addition to the core functions, for more advanced functions, the learning curve is much steeper than commercial users may feel comfortable.

The help system is everywhere

HelpSystems Go Anywhere is a reliable enterprise MFT solution, including workflow tools, reporting, and automation. Many users report that this feature comes at the expense of simplicity, and it is difficult to learn how to use the software. Likewise, automating simple tasks seems to require broader logic to ensure operation.

Active batch

The advantage of ActiveBatch workload automation is automation. With multiple integrations and workflow tools, ActiveBatch is perfect for companies that want to simplify work and file sharing. It does lack some key features, including document, form, and calendar management, as well as security license and inventory management.

SolarWinds Serv-U

Although this item is not listed above, we think it might be worth mentioning. You might recognize SolarWinds' name from the news. The Russian hacking of SolarWinds, a major provider of cloud services for security companies such as FireEye, led to what is known as one of the most serious state-backed cyber attacks in history. Needless to say, it is best to avoid products with these problems until the dust settles.

What is unique about Raysync's secure MFT solution?

Security and compliance: Raysync's secure MFT solution includes encryption and terminal-to-terminal security standards, AES-256 financial level encryption strength, and the system uses AES-256+random salt high-strength encryption algorithm encryption to protect user data privacy.

Automation: Raysync adopts an integrated file management mode, unified management and monitoring of various file data, data types, user behavior logs, comprehensive analysis and early warning of security risks, and effective management of data risks. The file does not need to be supervised during the transmission process, and the mechanism of data error retransmission, interrupted transmission, multiple file verification, intelligent synchronization, etc., reduces labor costs.

Visibility: Raysync enables you to manage file access and transfer through the high-level view of the system. You can run reports on total access rights, location, transmission, and threats by viewing user behavior logs.

Use the Raysync MFT solution to protect your static data and transfer data. Are you ready to learn more about how your business can benefit from Raysync's secure hosted file transfer solution? You can click here to enjoy Raysync's free file transfer journey!